Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionSharjah Media Council and Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone signed an operational agreement during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. The partnership standardises regulatory permits and introduces full fee exemptions and discounts for eligible publishing entities. Measures include a 50 percent fee reduction on media permit renewals for Emirates Publishers Association members.
Entrepreneurs from Italy, Tunisia, and Sri Lanka have relocated projects to the UAE to scale and access international markets. Innovations spanning AI prosthetics, smart footwear, and digital finance were showcased at Ajman Chamber's inaugural Thara Connect forum. Founders cited the country's business climate, talent availability, and digital infrastructure as key drivers.
Gulf states including Oman and Saudi Arabia are deepening diplomatic outreach to Beijing as US President Donald Trump nears a lame-duck session, according to Al-Monitor. The diplomatic engagement comes as US midterm election results bring fresh uncertainty to Washington's Iran policy.
Dubai Municipality has opened registration for the fifth season of Souk Al Freej, offering 50 free stalls across three public parks to support local entrepreneurs. The market will run between December 11, 2026, and January 17, 2027, operating daily from 16:30 to 22:00. The upcoming edition will also introduce an Asian Village Experience alongside traditional retail and food stalls.
The UAE has introduced federal traffic regulations taking effect on January 1, 2027, prohibiting delivery riders from using backpacks and banning passengers on commercial delivery motorcycles. Issued under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, the rules establish eight mandatory obligations for professional drivers and vehicle operators. Requirements include using approved cargo boxes, logging into official vehicle systems, wearing uniforms, and carrying valid professional permits.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
Under new implementing regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, UAE licensing authorities can suspend, cancel, or refuse renewal of driving licences across 12 specific circumstances. The measures evaluate traffic violation records, black point limits, judicial rulings, and medical fitness. The regulations also mandate health authority coordination and establish visual acuity standards for commercial drivers.
Sharjah Customs has specified categories where commercial goods and equipment can temporarily enter the emirate duty-free. Qualifying goods include heavy machinery for projects, items imported for maintenance or repair, event supplies, and goods destined for industrial processing. Importers must fulfill specific procedural and documentation requirements to secure clearance.
Dubai Customs has introduced the Advance Cargo Information system to streamline clearance and bolster risk analysis for maritime freight. Under Customs Notice No. 19/2026, shipping operators using the Port of Jebel Ali must submit electronic cargo manifests and bills of lading prior to arrival. A 60-day transitional grace period has been granted to allow operators to adjust their systems.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
The 1.5-gigawatt Abu Dhabi PV3 Al Ajban solar power project has entered the final stages of construction and nears commercial grid connection. Led by PowerChina subsidiary Huadong Engineering, the 20-square-kilometer desert plant used Chinese automated installation robots. Once operational, it is expected to generate 4.4 billion kilowatt-hours annually, powering approximately 160,000 households.
At the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company presented $16.3 billion in UAE manufacturing and investment opportunities. Accompanied by subsidiaries including Masdar and Borouge International, ADNOC highlighted partnerships with Chinese shipyards and contractors. The state energy group also announced updated supplier registration guidelines under its In-Country Value program.
The 1.5-gigawatt Abu Dhabi PV3 Al Ajban solar project in northeastern Abu Dhabi is approaching grid connection. Executed by Power Construction Corporation of China through Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited, the 20-square-kilometer facility utilized automated Chinese installation robots. The plant is expected to generate 4.4 billion kilowatt-hours annually, powering around 160,000 households.
Chinese enterprises across technology, manufacturing, and commerce are shifting strategies from basic product exporting to establishing localized operations in the Gulf. In the UAE, firms operating in free zones such as Masdar City are conducting targeted research to match offerings with local regulations and consumer preferences. This move aligns with the UAE's economic diversification strategy and is expected to drive increased foreign direct investment and joint ventures.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Energy & Sustainability
The United Arab Emirates is projected to become the global leader in solar electricity generation per capita by 2031, exceeding 4,000 kilowatt-hours per person, according to the International Energy Agency's Renewables 2026 report. Total renewable energy capacity across the Middle East is expected to triple over the next six years, with Saudi Arabia expanding fivefold and the UAE ranking second in regional expansion. China will retain its position as the world's largest renewable energy market, with India advancing to second place.
Energy & Sustainability
The Oman Investment Authority and China's Silk Road Fund have signed a preliminary term sheet to establish an $800 million joint investment fund. The initiative is part of a 23-agreement bilateral package signed during a state visit to Beijing. Other deals involve China Merchants Bank, IDG Capital, JD.com, Huawei, and industrial projects across logistics, artificial intelligence, and energy.
Logistics & Trade
The UAE government has issued executive regulations under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 to update road transport rules effective January 1, 2027. The measures introduce a strict nine-hour daily driving cap affecting logistics and fleet operators, alongside new vehicle registration limits. Additional rules set a minimum age of 15 years for e-scooter and e-bike permits.
Logistics & Trade
Sharjah-based GT LINES, the container shipping unit of Gulftainer, has signed strategic cooperation agreements with major Chinese shipping firms. The partnership aims to enhance bilateral maritime routes and improve logistics resilience between China and the UAE. The move responds to rising trade volumes between Chinese manufacturing centers and Gulf port terminals.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Flight cancellation / route change
Damascus International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
Exhibition
Exhibition
Exhibition
Membership
Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
Become a Member
Membership
Tell us about your experience and connection to UAE–China business. UECN assesses your application and offers the right membership category — fees are shared privately with your offer.
We send you a one-time sign-in link — your answers are saved as you go.
